First-Gen Warrior Scholarship

The First-Gen Warrior Scholarship awards $1,000 each year to support and encourage first generation students in their studies at Winona State University.

Nearly 45% of WSU students fit the federal definition of first generation students. Many WSU First-Gen Warriors also come from low-income families who need financial support to pay for tuition, room, board and other college expenses.

If you want to support the First-Gen Warrior scholarship fund, please contact the Winona State University Advancement office at 507.457.5020 or wsufoundation@winona.edu.

1

Check that You Qualify

To qualify for this scholarship, you must be:

An undergraduate student enrolled full time and in good academic standing (minimum 12 credits/semester in fall and spring)

A first-generation college student based on the federal definition of neither parent having a 4-year bachelor's degree

A student with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

2

Write Your Essay

The application essay should include:

Future professional goals or objectives

Involvement in the WSU or Winona community

How this scholarship would make a difference in your college experience

There is no minimum length requirement for the essay, but you should be thoughtful and thorough in your answers.

Scholarship Spotlight

"As a refugee immigrant, the hard part of being a first-generation college student is I always ask myself, how am I going to pay for school? I know that my parents can't help me out financially because they have a hard time trying to start a new life here in America.

By receiving this First-Gen Warrior Scholarship and financial aid, I will be able to spend more time on my studies. It also helps to lower my worries and challenges to pay for school."

Po also credits the staff and faculty in the TRIO Office and the Social Work program who have made her feel "welcome, loved, and comfortable to be around."